Unique stays on and near Ameland

On Ameland, you are in direct contact with the elements everywhere. You can spend the night here in places where the dunes are literally your backyard or where you look out over the salt marshes of the Wadden Sea. Think modern furnished lodges or converted barns located in places where it is still really dark and quiet. You wake up to the sound of the wind and birds, with no traffic in the background. It is the ideal way to hold the island feeling 24 hours a day.

Each of the villages on the island has its own special face. Nes and Hollum stand out because of the old commander's houses from the time of whaling. If you are looking for holiday homes on Ameland with a story, consider staying in these historical centers. You'll find beautifully refurbished properties and small-scale boutique hotels nestled among the local stores and terraces. It's the perfect combination of the coziness of the village and the tranquility of your own unique base.

The red and white lighthouse near Hollum is the island's landmark and the area there is one of the most beautiful places to stay. There are several special accommodations in the woods and dunes that lie directly around the tower. At night, you can see the rays of light sweeping across the landscape, which immediately adds an extra dimension to your stay. It is a completely different experience than spending the night on Texel, because the distances are shorter here and you can cycle from your dune hut to the beach or village in no time.

If you love the outdoors but don't feel like fussing with tent poles, Ameland is the place to be. Glamping on Ameland means sleeping in a luxury safaritent or a furnished shepherds hut with a good bed and your own kitchen. You are in the middle of nature and feel the sea air, but have the comfort of a real cottage. It's a great way to live outdoors, often including extras like your own hot tub or a terrace overlooking the dune pan.

The boat ride takes about three quarters of an hour, which is the perfect time to get into vacation mode. You can bring your car, but remember to reserve that spot in time with Wagenborg. Many people choose to leave the car in Holwerd and rent a bike directly on Ameland. The island has a fantastic network of bicycle paths, so you won't actually miss the car. If you don't want to go home after your stay on the Wadden Islands, a holiday home in Friesland on the mainland is a good option to enjoy the north a little longer.

There is more to do than just walk on the beach. For example, join a seal tour to see seals on the sandbanks, or trek into Het Oerd nature reserve with a guide. For those who like action, the wide beaches are ideal for beach sailing or horseback riding through the surf during sunset. Local museums also tell the raw story of island life and the lifeboat, which really adds depth to your visit.

Ameland is not just a summer destination. Especially in autumn and winter, when storms sweep over the dikes, the island is at its most powerful. There is nothing better than returning to a unique accommodation with a good stove or private sauna after a long walk on an empty beach. Prices tend to be sharper in the off-season, but the experience is at least as intense. Do plan your trip in the school vacations ahead of time, as the most sought-after places on the island tend to get booked up quickly.